Nationwide — Eighteen years after dazzling audiences together in Dreamgirls, Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Hudson reunited on a recent episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show for the first time since the film’s release. At just 25 years old during filming, Hudson was a rising star whose powerhouse performance as Effie White marked her acting debut—and a breakout moment that earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. That role launched a remarkable career that has since led her to join the elite club of EGOT winners, with Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards to her name.
During their reunion, which was a heartfelt interview on her show, the two reflected on their shared history, including their memorable Oscars night and how Dreamgirls helped shape their professional paths. Since the film, Hudson has not only dominated in music, releasing several acclaimed albums, but also made her mark on Broadway and daytime television as the host of her own talk show.
Murphy, already a Hollywood legend by the time of Dreamgirls, spoke warmly of Hudson’s growth and success. He also shared updates from his own journey, including a triumphant return to Saturday Night Live for the show’s 50th anniversary, which brought back iconic characters like Gumby and Buckwheat to roaring applause. Murphy’s post-Dreamgirls career has seen a resurgence with critically praised roles in Dolemite Is My Name and voice work in family hits like Shrek and Coming 2 America.
He also dropped a surprise: he has unreleased music collaborations with Michael Jackson and B.B. King, hinting at a deep, lesser-known side of his artistic expression. The conversation took an emotional turn when Murphy opened up about his son’s recent surprise wedding, offering fans a rare glimpse into his private life as a father.
Their reunion wasn’t just a look back—it was a powerful reminder of how far they’ve come since Dreamgirls, and how their legacies continue to evolve in bold, impactful ways.